mountain bikes: Test: Drössiger XMA Flow Select Plus 1 – trail tourer with large reserves

Drössiger XMA Flow Select Plus 1: Frame and Geometry

The Drössiger XMA Flow Select, new for this model year, is based on the previously known XMA 29, which we tested some time ago. The absolutely unique frame shape and its rear end, the basic geometry and the compatibility with 29″ wheels have remained. What is new, however, are the boost axles and, thanks to the ample tire clearance, the option to mount 27,5+ wheels. The Flow SELECT also gets its name from this freedom of choice. For our test, we tested the variant with the wide B+ tires.

Of course, you get the same advantages with the XMA Flow Select as with all Drössiger bikes: you can choose the color of the main frame, rear triangle and decals before you buy them. If you wish, you can get a unique bike that is unlikely to be seen a second time on the trails - without having to do it yourself. The frame offers 130mm at the rear and the traditional four-bar linkage rear triangle should also be rather reserved on uphill passages.

The Drössiger XMA Flow Select comes in all equipment variants with an aluminum frame, which at just over 3kg is not necessarily one of the lightweights on the market. In relation to the total weight, however, this should be put into perspective again in view of the high-quality equipment, about which we will say a few words in a moment. The decision by Drössiger in favor of externally routed lines and trains is quite interesting. You're swimming against the tide a bit with this, but on the one hand it makes maintenance a lot easier and on the other hand the cables are hardly noticeable due to the routing below the down tube.

The geometry of the Drössiger XMA Flow Select is quite modern, even if it's not quite as uncompromising as some of its competitors. The head angle of 68,5° is rather steep and you don't do any crazy things with the reach either. The slightly higher stack also puts the rider in a fairly upright position. The chainstays, which are really very short at 430mm, are very nice, with which the XMA should remain nicely manoeuvrable. It's a pity that you only have to choose between three frame sizes; the probability of ending up somewhere in between and getting a frame that doesn't fit perfectly is higher than with other bikes, some of which offer up to six sizes.

Drössiger XMA Flow Select Plus 1: Features

First of all: For less than €3.500, the Drössiger XMA Flow Select 'only' has an aluminum frame, but it has consistently high-quality to noble equipment, which surprised us overall. While the chassis made of RockShox Pike RC and RockShox Monarch RT3 still falls into the category 'above average', the Race Face cockpit, for example, including the super light and stiff Next 35 carbon handlebar, is very unusual for this price range.

The drive is also fully convincing: Not only is a one-by group from SRAM installed here, but the X01/X1 Mix is ​​even one of the higher-quality drives in this category. The Race Face Aeffect crank with a Direct Mount chainring with 28 teeth completes the extremely positive overall picture of the drive. Another highlight are the wheels: These consist of a set of DT Swiss 350 hubs with a durable toothed disc freewheel and the very good WTB Scraper i40 rims. Such a high-quality wheel set in a complete bike under €4.000 is quite rare.

The brakes also fit seamlessly into the positive overall picture: the Magura MT Trail with four-piston calipers at the front and two pistons at the rear is a very good choice for an all-rounder like the Drössiger. The 180mm discs should give you enough power - but heavier riders might want to consider a 203mm disc up front.

With the Rock Shox Reverb you build on the usual quality for the dropper post and also rely on the variant with 150mm travel - just right for a trail bike. The Rocket Ron tires in 2,8″ are used at the rear and, to our surprise, also at the front. The profile is designed for low rolling resistance rather than a lot of grip, so we were curious to see how the Schwalbe tire would perform, especially on the front wheel.

All in all, it's really very good equipment, which in the end pushes the weight of the complete bike well below the 14kg mark, despite the rather heavy frame.

Drössiger XMA Flow Select Plus 1: On the trail

The Drössiger was one of the testers' favorites in our downhill test. On the one hand, this is due to the really extremely successful and potent chassis, which only makes 130mm available, but thanks to the plus tires it feels like a lot more. The rear end is enormously willing to absorb, but still provides enough feedback from the ground at all times to avoid becoming spongy. The Pike at the front is as confident as ever - whether on flowy trails or with high-speed banging and root massacre. It was quite surprising that the steering angle, which was quite steep on paper, hardly had any negative effects even on steep passages. The Rocket Ron tires roll well as expected and perform solidly on the trail. However, as soon as the ground gets deeper, the plus tire quickly reaches its limits, especially on the front wheel. Here we would definitely prefer something with more grip, for example the Nobby Nic. With the Rocket Ron you give away a lot of the potential that the wide tires actually offer.

The Drössiger was not quite as convincing on the climbs. Longer climbs in particular are quite tough on the XMA Flow Select Plus. The rear end rocks noticeably if the damper is not completely closed. In addition, some of our long-legged testers had trouble with the rather flat real seat angle: If you have to pull the post far out of the frame, the seat angle becomes flatter and you get the feeling of pedaling from behind. This costs unnecessary energy.

The equipment was beyond any doubt – also in practice. The cockpit is just right for a bike like this, and the ergonomics are excellent. The brakes grip firmly, but still remain easy to control. The shifting is crisp and precise - you have to make a few compromises in terms of bandwidth compared to the newer 12-speed Eagle or conventional 2-speed drives. With the pre-assembled 28-tooth chainring, you have an easy gear on steep ramps, but if you also like to pedal at high speeds on level ground, you may have to switch to 30 teeth.